The most decorated athlete in Olympic history will swim competitively for the first time since the London Games.
Michael Phelps, a 22-time Olympic medalist, plans to swim at a meet in Mesa, Arizona later this month, according to USA Swimming.
"I think he’s just going to test the waters a little bit and see how it goes," Bob Bowman, Phelps’ longtime coach told the Associated Press on Monday. "I wouldn’t say it’s a full-fledged comeback."
Though Bowman declined to speculate, Phelps could now set his sights on qualifying for the Rio Olympics.
Phelps is entered in three events: the 50- and 100-meter freestyles and the 100 butterfly.
The American swimmer returned to training last fall and re-entered the U.S. drug testing program, after which he was required to wait six months before competing.
"I think he’s just really enjoying it," said Bowman. "He enjoys the training and being physically fit. He just kind of wants to see where he’s at. It’s more really for fun. It’s been nice for me to see him swim just for the joy of it, really."
Fellow Olympians Ryan Lochte and Katie Ledecky are also expected to swim at the meet, scheduled for April 24-26 at the Arena Grand Prix at Skyline Aquatic Center.
The 28-year old Phelps has won 18 career gold medals, including eight at the 2008 Beijing Summer Games.
Written by Nick Devlin
Homepage photo: Getty Images
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